Bustos defeats Schilling in 17th DIstrict

The race had been one of the most closely watched in Illinois as Democrats had identified it as an opportunity to pick up a seat in their fight to regain control of the House. Republicans also poured in big money to defend it.

The newly drawn 17th Congressional District sprawls from the Iowa state line to include parts of western and central Illinois. Much of the region had been historically Democratic.

Bustos is a former city council member. She received an early endorsement from U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

Schilling is a pizzeria owner who won in 2010 with strong tea party support.